"I never heard such strange reasoning before, and it reminds me of a fact upon which I have often dwelt--that sophistry and logic may both rest upon the same foundation, not, however, accusing you of dealing in sophistry or claiming that in all respects my words have been those of logic. Now, to follow your theme further in the same vein and employing precisely your method of arriving at conclusions--those who do not, for instance, practice the laying on of hands for the healing of the sick, or for the casting out of real or imaginary devils, who do not, for example, subscribe to all the superstitions and resort to the practices enjoined by the Bible--which practices must have had reference to a time in which the domain of science was so limited that it could not even comprehend the present--that all such people, I say, are also outside the pale of Christianity are pagans, infidels, in fact?" "You state part of the proposition correctly enough, but your conclusion is unjust--unjust because not a natural outgrowth of the premises stated, and also unjust because containing a reflection." "I meant no reflection at all." "So I may readily believe. Now, a man may be entirely outside the pale of practical, or if you prefer it, modern Christianity and still be neither a pagan nor an infidel; while he may be inside it and not practice the things spoken of, by means of which he would be as much at variance with the requirements of our Father and Savior, perhaps, as the others named, and none of them be of necessity bad people, or among those wholly condemned." "Then you believe in the actual practice of laying on of hands as well as of baptism by immersion?" "Assuredly I do." "And practice it, perhaps?" "Whenever necessary, yes." "Well, for fear you may not wish to try it here, and it is nearly bed time, I will relieve you of one of the 'devils,' and the power of 'casting out' can be held in reserve for some future occasion." "My dear sir, you do us both injustice. No one would put you in such a category, and it is not a part of the work of a Christian to come into a circle as I have and engender harsh feelings, far from it." "Oh, no matter. We might talk again at another time, when I may be pleased to continue our remarks, but not tonight as I only intended remaining a short time, having an important engagement which I was compelled to make since I saw you last evening; so, if you will excuse me, I will wish you all good evening." And so saying, the churchman, in not a very pleasant mood, withdrew.